What does "Benefits Ineligible" mean? Good/Bad for New Grad RN?

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So I passed my boards finally in late November 2015 and while applying for jobs I noticed some flex RN job positions were "benefits ineligible". What does that mean and is it good or bad for a new grad RN?

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Specializes in CCRN.

It means you would not be eligible for the benefits they offer, such as health insurance, etc.

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Those are usually the jobs that are "per diem" or below a certain amount of weekly hours (part time).

You probably want to find some full time position to get experience as well as health insurance and so on (benefits). Most new graduates need a full time job for while to get up and going...

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The lack of benefits might result in those jobs being less competitive to get since more experienced nurses might not like the lack of benefits. If you are a new grad, you aren't in a position to be picky. If you don't want the job, I assure you that one of the many new grads out there would be more than happy to take it.

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Specializes in psych, addictions, hospice, education.

keep in mind that "benefits ineligible" jobs might pay more per hour...

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Specializes in Palliative, Onc, Med-Surg, Home Hospice.
So I passed my boards finally in late November 2015 and while applying for jobs I noticed some flex RN job positions were "benefits ineligible". What does that mean and is it good or bad for a new grad RN?

It means you can't get benefits. Whether that is good or bad depends on your individual needs. I have my health insurance through my husband (we work for the same system) so I work per diem. I get a higher pay, more flexible shifts, and can take a week off whenever I want. However, I have no PTO so if If I don't work I don't get paid. And again, I don't get health insurance. I can handle both.

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Specializes in Critical care.

When I was looking for a job I couldn't consider positions without benefits. I'm single and over the age of 26, so I needed a job that offers health insurance. If you can get health insurance through a spouse or through your parents (you can be on their plan up to the age of 26 due to the ACA) and not having PTO (paid time off) and retirement benefits isn't a deal breaker then go for it. Just keep in mind the number of hours the position would be for. Good luck!

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Nursing was a career change after a personal experience being an oncology patient 8 years ago. So after graduating with my BSN last year May 2015 and finally passing the NCLEX in November, I am on the JOB HUNT...almost on the verge of desperation as a singe 33 y/o. Based on what everyone has said I definitely want/need health insurance through the job and PTO is a plus.

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Thanks for the info guys!

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Specializes in Palliative, Onc, Med-Surg, Home Hospice.
When I was looking for a job I couldn't consider positions without benefits. I'm single and over the age of 26 so I needed a job that offers health insurance. If you can get health insurance through a spouse or through your parents (you can be on their plan up to the age of 26 due to the ACA) and not having PTO (paid time off) and retirement benefits isn't a deal breaker then go for it. Just keep in mind the number of hours the position would be for. Good luck![/quote']

I am Per Diem and I am in the retirement plan through my system. Some hospitals/systems allow for per diem to be eligible for those benefits.

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Specializes in Critical Care.

You should look into what your true costs for employer-provided benefits would be compared buying on your own with the money you wouldn't have to put towards an employer-provided plan. Where I work, per diem and other benefits exempt jobs are fought over, particularly for single nurses, because you can save quite a bit of money buying a plan on your own and often get better coverage in the process.

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